Ettie Bahena

Written by Ettie Bahena

Published: 12 Oct 2024

50-facts-about-cyberpunk
Source: Laptopmag.com

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that has captured the imagination of many with its rich, immersive world and intricate storytelling. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this game takes players into the dystopian future of Night City, a place teeming with crime, advanced technology, and corporate power struggles. Released on December 10, 2020, after years of anticipation, it offers a blend of action, role-playing, and open-world exploration. The game draws inspiration from the 1980s science fiction and the tabletop RPG Cyberpunk. Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a fascinating experience, filled with unique characters, detailed environments, and a narrative that keeps players engaged.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cyberpunk 2077, based on a tabletop RPG, offers a plot-driven narrative set in a futuristic, crime-ridden Night City, with advanced technology and real-world references.
  • The game features rich world-building and intriguing details, including real-life company involvement, adding depth and immersion to the gameplay experience.
Table of Contents

Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, is a game that has captured the imagination of gamers worldwide. Set in the dystopian city of Night City, it offers a rich narrative, complex characters, and an immersive world. Let's explore 50 fascinating facts about this game.

Development and Release

The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 from announcement to release was long and filled with anticipation.

  1. Cyberpunk 2077 was first announced in 2012 and released on December 10, 2020, for PlayStation, Stadia, Windows, and Xbox One. The game received significant attention and praise for its narrative, setting, and graphics.

  2. The game is based on a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) called Cyberpunk, first released in 1998. This tabletop game drew inspiration from 1980s futuristic science fiction.

  3. The world of Night City is heavily inspired by the architecture of Blade Runner, with various facets also drawing from Akira and Ghost in the Shell.

Storyline and Plot

The narrative of Cyberpunk 2077 is one of its strongest elements, offering a deep and engaging story.

  1. The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is very plot-driven, focusing on how fictional technology works. However, some players have noted that the story can feel disjointed at times.

  2. Players assume the first-person perspective of a customizable mercenary known as V. The character can be tailored with various cyberware enhancements, clothing, and accessories.

Setting: Night City

Night City is a lawless, high-tech hellscape filled with crime and technological warfare.

  1. Night City is known for its sky-high rate of violence and obsession with power and body modification. The setting is inspired by a futuristic California.

  2. Megacorporations play a significant role in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, such as Arasaka and NightCorp, wielding immense power and influence over the city.

  3. NightCorp plans to construct an intercontinental railway network by 2078, connecting cities like Night City and Chicago.

Population and Technology

The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with advanced technology and significant societal changes.

  1. Night City has lost almost 30% of its population in 2076 due to an unspecified event. This significant decline hints at a larger conspiracy within the city.

  2. A 3D printer is set to be released that can scan people's minds and recreate any object they are thinking of. This technology represents a fascinating application of advanced technology.

  3. The first-ever human settlement in Antarctica was established in 2067 in the world of Cyberpunk 2077.

  4. Sharks are extinct in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, serving as a reminder of how societies can exploit resources to the point of extinction.

Gameplay Mechanics

Cyberpunk 2077 features a mix of action, role-playing, and open-world elements.

  1. Players can engage in combat, complete quests, and explore the city. The game also includes stealth mechanics and hacking abilities.

  2. The game received a day one patch to address various glitches and bugs that made it into the final release.

  3. In 2017, CD Projekt Red faced a controversy involving stolen designs and assets, reporting the incident to the Polish police.

Multiplayer Mode and Microtransactions

The game's multiplayer mode and microtransactions add new layers of interaction and customization.

  1. The game's multiplayer mode was initially delayed until 2022, allowing players to engage in cooperative gameplay with friends.

  2. Cyberpunk 2077 includes microtransactions, primarily for cosmetic items in the multiplayer mode.

Localization and System Requirements

The game features localization in multiple languages and requires significant hardware specifications.

  1. The game features localization in multiple languages, including dubbed versions. However, some players have noted that the dubbed dialogue can sometimes feel unnatural.

  2. To run Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, players need significant hardware specifications, including eight gigabytes of RAM and a mid-tier CPU.

Real-World Connections

Cyberpunk 2077 includes references to real-world technology and companies.

  1. The game features Elon Musk’s Cybertruck, which makes an appearance in the game's world.

  2. Dark Horse Comics has started releasing new Cyberpunk comic books, further expanding the game's lore and universe.

  3. In Night City, the corporate tax rate is 0.7%, as mentioned by Jefferson Peralez in the Holt/Peralez debate.

Intriguing Details

The game is filled with small details that add to its rich world-building.

  1. Nicola, a character in the game, does not taste like love. This detail adds to the game's realism.

  2. There is a bucket with 15-20 knives in it, located on the outskirts of the city towards the Badlands.

  3. All megabuildings in Night City have an address of sorts, such as Megabuilding H11 being WN185 (Watson 185).

  4. The penthouse where you end up in The Sun is on top of an adjacent building, visible right out the window from your M10 apartment.

  5. Most weapons in the game have modeled barrels and chambers, allowing players to see the firing pin on some models.

  6. Some outfits in the game change your default pose when you open photomode, such as trench coats and posh dresses.

  7. Tom’s Diner is not just a diner owned by Tom; it is the name of the first song to be encoded to an MP3 file.

  8. Bartmoss, a character in the game, was stored at an RCS warehouse in Watson for 50 years before being dumped at a specific part of the NC landfill.

  9. Most of the northside scanner huscles are covering up crimes for a high-ranking NCPD officer. V is being used in this operation.

  10. The number of times V slaughters 5-10 gangbangers who are shooting at one another, only to have the NCPD open fire on V, is insane.

  11. There is a "fallout vault" to be found in the game, adding to the game's lore.

  12. It is possible to find and drive a border-patrol car in the game, providing players with additional vehicles.

Real-Life Company Involvement

The game includes real-world companies and their products.

  1. ARCH, the company that makes Jackie’s motorcycle, is an IRL company owned by Keanu Reeves.

  2. There are tons of interesting things to find if you no clip around the city. This feature allows players to explore areas not intended to be accessible.

  3. The Mayor’s offices exist in the City Hall, but they are only visible in the braindance from the Peralezes.

  4. The tunnel to Arasaka involved in the Star ending fully exists under the city, even though players skip through 90% of it in a blackout sequence.

  5. One of the suspected pieces of cut content was Metal Heaven, a giant music store/club/venue impactful to Samurai and Johnny’s storyline.

  6. The song RATATATA is not just a funny/cool track; it is a clear warning regarding engaging with the VDBs and their turf – Pacifica.

  7. If you go to Morro Rock in real life, you’ll find a memorial bench dedicated to a woman who died in 2015 named Barbara Linder.

  8. Johnny’s death flashback wasn’t how it actually went down. This detail provides insight into Johnny the engram as the unreliable narrator.

  9. ARCH, the company that makes Jackie’s motorcycle, is an IRL company owned by Keanu Reeves.

  10. There are tons of interesting things to find if you no clip around the city. This feature allows players to explore areas not intended to be accessible.

  11. The Mayor’s offices exist in the City Hall, but they are only visible in the braindance from the Peralezes.

  12. The tunnel to Arasaka involved in the Star ending fully exists under the city, even though players skip through 90% of it in a blackout sequence.

  13. One of the suspected pieces of cut content was Metal Heaven, a giant music store/club/venue impactful to Samurai and Johnny’s storyline.

  14. The song RATATATA is not just a funny/cool track; it is a clear warning regarding engaging with the VDBs and their turf – Pacifica.

  15. If you go to Morro Rock in real life, you’ll find a memorial bench dedicated to a woman who died in 2015 named Barbara Linder.

  16. Despite its launch issues and delays, Cyberpunk 2077 has the potential to be a brilliant game. The story is engaging, and the game’s world is rich and immersive.

Cyberpunk 2077: A World of Intrigue and Innovation

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a rich, immersive experience that pulls players into the chaotic, high-tech world of Night City. From its detailed world-building to its complex narrative, the game provides endless exploration and discovery. Despite its rocky launch and some lingering issues, the game’s potential shines through. The intricate lore, character customization, and engaging storyline make it a standout in the RPG genre. Whether you’re hacking into corporate secrets or cruising through neon-lit streets on a futuristic bike, Cyberpunk 2077 keeps you hooked. The game’s blend of action, role-playing, and open-world elements ensures there’s always something new to uncover. As CD Projekt Red continues to refine and expand the game, Cyberpunk 2077 promises to remain a captivating adventure for gamers worldwide. Dive into Night City and see what secrets you can uncover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is cyberpunk?
Cyberpunk's a genre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology. Picture a world where skyscrapers glow with neon lights, hackers are heroes, and the future's not as bright as the screens suggest. It's all about high tech and low life, where the digital underbelly meets the human spirit.
How did cyberpunk start?
This genre kicked off in the early 1980s, with William Gibson's novel "Neuromancer" often hailed as its seminal work. Gibson's vision of a dystopian future, combined with the punk attitude and aesthetic, captured imaginations and set the template for what cyberpunk would become. It was a reaction to the shiny, optimistic sci-fi of earlier decades, offering a grittier, more realistic view of the future.
Why do people find cyberpunk appealing?
Folks are drawn to cyberpunk for its blend of advanced technology with the gritty aspects of city life. It presents a future that feels both exciting and cautionary, where the marvels of tech advancements come with a cost to society and individual freedoms. Plus, there's something inherently cool about cyberpunks - rebels and hackers fighting against corrupt systems in stylish, neon-lit settings.
Are there any famous cyberpunk movies or games?
Absolutely! "Blade Runner" and its sequel "Blade Runner 2049" are iconic films in the genre, painting a visually stunning picture of a cyberpunk future. In the gaming world, "Cyberpunk 2077" made waves for its immersive depiction of a dystopian city. These examples have played a huge role in popularizing the genre and influencing how we imagine future societies.
Can cyberpunk influence real-world technology?
Indeed, it can. Cyberpunk often explores the ethical and societal implications of tech like artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and virtual reality. These themes can inspire real-world tech developers to think critically about the impact of their inventions. Sometimes, life imitates art, with innovations mirroring those once thought purely fictional in cyberpunk tales.
Is cyberpunk only about the future?
While cyberpunk typically looks ahead, it's more about reflecting our current anxieties and hopes regarding technology and society. It uses the future as a backdrop to comment on issues like corporate power, surveillance, and the loss of privacy, which are very much relevant today. So, it's not just about where we're going, but where we are now and how we're getting there.
How has cyberpunk evolved over time?
From its origins in the 1980s, cyberpunk has branched out, influencing various media and spawning subgenres like biopunk, which focuses on biotechnology. As our relationship with technology has grown more complex, so has cyberpunk, adapting its narratives to address new technological and ethical dilemmas. It remains a dynamic genre that evolves with our digital landscape.

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